Click to download PDF version here or request a hard copy from the office. We are here to help you with information on how to get started on your horse journey... Further questions can be directed to the MHC office at (204) 925-5718 or [email protected]

According to Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act, horse riders and drivers of horse-drawn carriages have the same right to use the road and must follow the same rules, but it is found increasingly that motorists are unaware of their own responsibilities in road sharing.

With increased development in rural areas and the reduction in off-road trails, motorists are more likely than ever to encounter a horse and rider or horse and cart on the roadway.

The Road Safety project includes a brochure for the motorist “Sharing the Road with Horses” and a Road Safety Handbook for riders.

A copy of the "Sharing the Road with Horses" brochure PDF can be downloaded here.

For bulk supplies please contact the MHC office 204-925-5718.

The Road Safety Handbook for Equestrians can be purchased from the office for $5 per copy including taxes and shipping, or download PDF here .

While it isn’t necessary to go out and purchase a full riding wardrobe for your first lesson, there are a few must haves which will make your experience safe, comfortable and fun.

ASTM CERTIFIED RIDING HELMET

This is the single most important piece of equipment you need to own. Approved ASTM riding helmets must be properly fitted to the rider so they don’t slip or fly off during riding. Riding helmets are designed specifically for riding and the types of injuries a rider could experience. Substituting a non- sport specific helmet such as a hockey helmet is NOT recommended and is to be avoided. Borrowing or purchasing a used helmet which could have structural damage not visible to the eye should be avoided. A reputable tack shop will carry certified helmets and will be able to assist you in selecting a properly fitting helmet.

PROPER FOOTWEAR

While wearing a pair of riding boots is a good idea they are not essential. Wear shoes/boots ...

P'TIT TROT Western Riding Lessons for Young Kids AGES 6 to 12 - with little or no riding experience

The P’tit Trot program provides children with a pleasant introduction to horseback riding. Depending on the program enrollment level of the participant, some of the learning components may include: grooming, hoof care, general horse care, basic tack, parts of the saddle, adjusting a halter, colors, breeds, how to mount the horse, sitting trot, and transitions between the gaits. Each level has both a theoretical and practical component that participants must learn by the end of the level to move on to the next. Each level focuses on specific components of riding and more importantly, on taking care of the participants’ new friend—the horse! As each component is learned, participants progress to the point where they are able to master a specific skill. Games are incorporated into each component providing the riders the opportunity to learn by playing. Participants will be required to wear ...

Western riding in North America originated from the Spanish conquistadors in the 17th Century. As the conquistadors traveled to what is now Texas and California, this style of riding began to spread across the continent.

Both equipment and riding style evolved to meet the working needs of the cowboy in the American West. American cowboys needed to work long hours in the saddle over rough terrain, sometimes needing to rope cattle with a lariat (or lasso). Because of the necessity to control the horse with one hand and use a lariat with the other, western horses were trained to neck rein, that is, to change direction with light pressure of a rein against the horse's neck. Horses were also trained to exercise a certain degree of independence in using their natural instincts to follow the movements of a cow, thus a riding style developed that emphasized a deep, secure seat, and training methods encouraged a horse to be responsive on very light rein contact. Though there are significant differences in ...

Equestrian is the encompassing term for all activity involving the horse or other equus species (eg. mule). The term equestrian describes both recreational and competitive riders, handlers, and drivers. Equestrian includes all disciplines or activities participated in whilst mounted on the horse, as well as unmounted disciplines or activities. It is the partnership of horse and human and, in some disciplines, horse to horse.

Mounted equestrian disciplines are commonly divided into two categories: English disciplines and Western disciplines. As a general rule of thumb, the classification of English or Western describes the type of “tack” (equipment) used on the horse. The type of tack used is the most easily distinguishable factor in the division of English and Western disciplines. Other disciplines that do not fall under the categories of English or Western include driving, halter (in-hand), and vaulting (gymnastics on horseback).

2019 Membership runs from January 1, 2019 (or subsequent date of purchase) until December 31, 2019. We hear that many members wait until show season, but by doing this, three or four months of valuable insurance coverage is lost. It is to your benefit to renew at the earliest reminder. If you don't remember your login name and/or password - just click on the RESET PASSWORD button displayed when you try to log in. Thank you! Experience the benefits of membership

Horse enthusiasts know that the Manitoba Horse Council adds value to their equestrian lifestyle.

That’s because 2000+ horse enthusiasts are MHC members who reap the benefits of belonging. From services and information to benefits not found anywhere else, the MHC represents individual members and clubs from all sectors of the horse industry.

For professionals, amateurs, competitors and recreational enthusiasts of all ages and disciplines, the MHC is committed to horse welfare, advocacy and accessibility.

What is Equestrian? Getting Started P'tit Trot Program Beginning Riding Lessons English Riding Western Riding Other Disciplines Upcoming Learn to Ride Events

Learning to Ride

So your child loves horses and has expressed a desire to ride? Or maybe you as adult want to start the sport of equestrian and you are not sure where to begin?

You don’t have to incur the expenses of buying and boarding a horse to learn to ride.

Taking lessons at a facility which offers school horses can be the best way for you and yours to begin their equestrian journey.

Choosing a riding facility can seem like a daunting task but there are things you can look for and questions you can ask to help you make an informed decision. Our downloadable Guide for New Riders now available! Click to download PDF version or request a hard copy from the office. Please use the links above to get more information on how to get started on your horse journey... Further questions can be directed to the MHC office at (204) ...

The Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships is a sanctioned Equestrian Canada competition. This team event offers athletes in the Learning and Training to Compete and the Learning and Training to Win stages within the Long-Term Equestrian Development (LTED) model, the opportunity to test their skills against their peers from across Canada.

Recognized as a pilot project, the Canadian Interprovincial Equestrian Championships is a collaborative event between the national and provincial sport organizations governing equestrian competition, whereby provincial/territorial sport organizations field teams representing their respective province/territory. It also acts a key event in the development of equestrian’s next generation of national, international and world champions. In addition, it is a platform for talent identification for athletes, coaches and officials.

Equestrian Canada (EC) and the Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs) have made the ...

The J.C. Anderson Legacy Medal is a Jumper based Medal Series open to ANY athlete under the age of 25 as of January 1st. Medal classes will be held at competitions across the country at 1.20m-1.25m. Any competitor who competes in a minimum of 2 J.C. Anderson Legacy Medal classes during the year will be eligible to compete in the Eastern Regional Finals (Angelstone) and the Western Regional Finals (Rocky Mountain Show Jumping). The top 10 athletes from each region will be invited to compete at the National Finals to be held in 2018 at the prestigious Royal West. $40,000 in Athlete Development Bursaries will be awarded to the 20 qualifying riders in the amount of $2,000 each. The bursaries will be distributed to them, through the AEF and then by each respective Provincial/Territorial ...

So your child loves horses and has expressed a desire to ride? Or maybe you as adult want to start the sport of equestrian and you are not sure where to begin? You don’t have to incur the expenses of buying and boarding a horse to learn to ride. Taking lessons at a facility which offers school horses can be the best way for you and yours to begin their equestrian journey. Choosing a riding facility can seem like a daunting task but there are things you can look for and questions you can ask to help you make an informed decision.

For a listing of some facilities which offer lessons in Manitoba, you can go to www.manitobaequinedirectory.com and look through the businesses listed there to see which ones offer school horses or beginner programs. (MHC cannot recommend any particular facility - see our Help Me Find a Coach page for more tips on choosing a riding facility)

Find out about the lesson program and the credentials of the instructors/coaches teaching ...

English riding is a form of horse riding seen throughout the world. There are many variations, but all feature a flat English saddle without the deep seat, high back or saddle horn seen on a Western saddle nor the knee pads seen on an Australian Stock Saddle. Saddles within the various English disciplines are all designed to allow the horse the freedom to move in the optimal manner for a given task, ranging from classical dressage to horse racing. English bridles also vary in style based on discipline, but most feature some type of noseband as well as closed reins, buckled together at the ends, that prevents them from dropping on the ground if a rider becomes unseated. Clothing for riders in competition is usually based on traditional needs from which a specific style of riding developed, but most standards require, as a minimum, boots; breeches or jodhpurs; a shirt with some form of tie or stock; a hat, cap, or equestrian helmet; and a jacket. English riding is an equestrian discipline with many different ...

Amount: $5,000,000 Personal Liability insurance (subject to a deductible of $1,000 for Property Damage claims). There is no deductible for Bodily Injury claims.

What: Third-party liability insurance defends against lawsuits and/or settlements for bodily injury or property damage arising out of the non-commercial ownership and/or leasing of horses in the event that no other insurance is in effect. (For instance, if your horse caused harm to a third party.) This policy will act as an excess coverage if any other insurance is in place, and is valid worldwide.

Detailed information at this link: Member Liability Insurance MHC Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Who: All current members under the age of 90 in good standing with MHC.

Amount: $30,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment

What: A lump sum payment if you suffer from a listed (scheduled) injury that arises from participation in equine related activities, ...

Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) is partnering with Equine Guelph to provide our members short, easily-accessible training programs so you can stay up-to-date on the latest information on equine care and welfare. This partnership enables the MHC to offer continuing education and certification opportunities for our members – athletes, coaches, officials, recreational riders/drivers, facility owners and professional equine care-givers. Manitoba Horse Council Benefits

NEW FOR 2019!! As an MHC member, you will receive a 15% discount on short courses offered on The Horse Portal (previously was 10%).

Members will earn continuing education credits and certificates of completion from Equine Guelph – the horse owner’s centre at the University of Guelph.

In addition, Equestrian Canada certified instructors/coaches may apply these certificates towards their professional development credits . Sign up for these upcoming 2019 short courses:

Manitoba joined the rest of Canada in celebrating the 10th annual Horse Day on June 2, 2018. Over 6,000 people participated and attended 75 Horse Day events from coast-to-coast. For many Canadians, Horse Day is the chance to get up close and personal with a horse for the first time. It’s also the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the important contributions made by horses in our nation's heritage and how people of all ages and experience levels can continue to enjoy horses in sport and leisure. Here in Manitoba, eight organizations took part in Horse Day. MHC stepped up to the mounting block with a photo contest, encouraging people across the province to participate in a Horse Day event and snap a pic for the contest. Nearly 30 people participated and captured beautiful moments with friends, family and – most importantly – horses. The rainy weather didn’t dampen the smiles.

At MHC, we were also smiling ear to ear all weekend – we loved seeing your Horse Day moments. Click ...

Manitoba Horse Council is pleased at this time to announce two new programs being introduced Nationwide, with the mandate to support Equestrian Athletes across the country under the age of 25. The programs are being designed to help identify those who have the potential in becoming Canada’s next High-Performance Athletes.

Funding for the programs has been graciously provided from the J.C. Anderson Family Foundation and the J.C. Anderson Legacy Fund through The Calgary Foundation and the Alberta Sport Connection Donation Program to the Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF) for purposes of supporting Athlete Development. John Anderson, a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team has helped make this funding and programs possible.

Program 1: The J.C. Anderson Legacy Medal will be a Jumper based Medal Series open to ANY athlete under the age of 25 as of January 1st. Medal classes will be held at competitions across the country at 1.20m-1.25m. Any competitor who competes in a minimum of 2 J.C. Anderson ...

The Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) offers a special membership category for Recreational Riders!

This membership was created because we sincerely believe that the future of MHC lies in acquiring a strong recreational membership base. Equestrian competition will always be an important aspect of the work of the Manitoba Horse Council, but the reality is that most of the equestrian enthusiasts in Manitoba, and across the country, are not competitive. They are involved with horses and ponies of all types and breeds for the sheer love of the animal and the love of the outdoors. And theirs is a voice that has not been represented adequately through the provincial body for equestrians in this province.

This membership category helps to change that. It offers the opportunity for Recreational Riders and Drivers to join the ...

Kelly and Bonnie Campbell hosted their first show in 2014. Since then they have successfully been running shows mainly in the Brandon area - but we were so pleased when they also ran one at the Manitoba Equestrian Centre in Birds Hill Park. Their shows are highly professional and well organized - keeping in mind the objective of running a properly qualified show that is fun for the participants. The service they are providing means that there are more opportunities for equine enthusiasts to test their skills in the arena. We have been told by many that the special attention they pay to beginning riders is having a very positive impact on the sport. In addition to all of the good work they do they have also used part of their registration fees as a contribution to Breast Cancer Research. We are excited and honored to be awarding this award to Bonnie and Kelly Campbell - CAMPBELL SHOWS!

The Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) Ride and Drive program rewards riders and drivers of horses for logging the hours they spend riding or driving. It is open to all MHC Recreational members having fun with their horses! Even those who rent/lease a horse are eligible to participate.

There is no age restriction - it’s for the young and the young-at-heart! All that is required is your yearly MHC Recreation membership. Then start counting the hours of fun and relaxation riding/driving your horses. The hours accumulate and continue to build up even if you have to re-register (this means you never lose your hours).The ultimate goal of 4,000 hours is worth striving for!

Rewards are progressive, starting with the 25 hour level and ending at the 4000 hour level. Hours spent riding or driving must be logged on a daily basis on a Ride & Drive log sheet and submitted at each level.

Take a Peek - http://issuu.com/equinecanada/docs/basichorsemanshiptrailriding_teaser

With this learning program, Equestrian Canada is presenting a discovery tool and a reference guide intended for anyone wishing to learn to share the world of horses in playful harmony. What are the feeding principles, how does one care for his horses, what are the trail riding techniques and practices that allow riders to safeguard the horse's physical and mental health while experiencing an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors?

This Trail Riding and Tourism training program contains all the necessary basic information needed to enjoy trail riding while remaining safe. It also contains everything required to prepare for certification as an Equestrian Canada Trail Rider, Trail Guide or Instructor.

Trail Rider Levels

This program provides basic training to any person wishing to acquire the skills needed for outings on horseback outdoors safely. Those who ...

According to Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act, horse riders and drivers of horse-drawn carriages have the same right to use the road and must follow the same rules, but it is found increasingly that motorists are unaware of their own responsibilities in road sharing.

With increased development in rural areas and the reduction in off-road trails, motorists are more likely than ever to encounter a horse and rider or horse and cart on the roadway.

The Road Safety project includes a brochure for the motorist “Sharing the Road with Horses” and a Road Safety Handbook for riders.

A copy of the "Sharing the Road with Horses" brochure PDF can be downloaded here.

For bulk supplies please contact the MHC office 204-925-5718.

The Road Safety Handbook for Equestrians can be purchased from the office for $5 per copy including taxes and shipping, or download PDF here .

Manitoba Horse Council in conjunction with Nakamura Judo Club will be offering a short course on how to fall and roll effectively. These skills can minimize the risk of injury and improve confidence in riders of all ages. If you cannot remember the last time you did a somersault, your last “gravity assisted dismount” was less than graceful or if you simply want to broaden your skill set this course is a great opportunity. The course will be taught by 3rd degree black belt and certified Competition Development Coach (NCCP Level 3) Airton Nakamura.

Where: Nakamura Judo Club , 1000 Notre Dame Ave, Winnipeg Mb (second floor) Please see the map of where you can find parking (it is marked in red). There is parking available on the side of the building coming from the back lane of the building. Parking on the fence side is not allowed. Parking is also available in the back of the building and in the empty lot in the back of the building. ...

Ottawa, ON, Feb. 11, 2019 – Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce the hard-working young athletes who were chosen by the EC Jumping Committee to receive Jumping Youth Bursary funds for 2018.

In recognition of the challenges young riders face as they strive to continue their education while competing at high levels of the jumping sport, the Jumping Youth Bursary was developed for athletes between the ages 14-21 who compete in hunter, jumper and equitation divisions. The program is made possible through a generous donation by Mark Samuel, Kevin Sanford and the Sanford family.

The following athletes have been awarded $2,000 each through the 2018 Jumping Youth Bursary in recognition of their hard work and dedication (see list): https://www.equestrian.ca/news/nEs4dRdKysEkvYR6h/equestrian-canada-announces-2018-jumping

Equestrian Canada (EC) facilitates the following programs to up-and-coming young athletes to support development and talent identification.

See https://www.equestrian.ca/programs-services/athlete-development FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships

The FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) is the premiere equestrian competition in North America for junior and young riders, aged 14-21. Young equestrians vie for team and individual medals in the FEI disciplines of Dressage, Endurance, Eventing, Jumping, Para-Dressage and Reining.

See https://www.equestrian.ca/programs-services/athlete-development for more information Dressage Orion Cup

The ninth annual Horse Day is taking place on Saturday, June 3, 2017 and we couldn’t be happier that you will be hosting a Horse Day event! Provided in this document are ways to help you maximize attendance at your event and gain interest from local media to share our love of horses with as many people in your community as possible.

This year’s Horse Day will also be a special year for the celebration of the horse, as 2017 also marks Canada’s 150th anniversary, as well as the 250th anniversary of horse racing in Canada. WHAT IS HORSE DAY?

Each year, the first Saturday of June is marked as Canada's National Horse Day. Together, Equestrian Canada and the provincial/territorial equestrian organizations invite all Canadians to take this unique opportunity to honour, discover, and explore the equestrian world. For many Canadians, Horse Day is the chance to get up close and personal with a horse for the first time. Horse Day is also the perfect opportunity to acknowledge ...